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Youm-e-Azadi: A celebration of freedom, a tribute to legacy
Millions of people across Pakistan continue to rely on Hamdard Pakistan for their wellness needs, a reflection of decades of faith, service, and excellence
- PUBLISHED: Thu 14 Aug 2025, 8:15 AM
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As Pakistan proudly marks another year of Independence, hearts swell with gratitude and eyes shine with the spirit of Youm-e-Azadi. Green and white colours flutter in every street, and patriotic songs echo through the air. But beyond the celebrations lies a story that continues to inspire — a story of resilience, sacrifice, and purpose. This is not just the story of a nation. It is also the story of a legacy built from the same dream: Hamdard Pakistan.
At the heart of this celebration, it is important to reflect on how freedom shaped not only in our country, but also in the institutions that have stood by its people from the beginning. One such name is Hamdard Pakistan — a brand that was not born out of business ambition, but from a promise made to the people of a newly formed Pakistan. A promise that health and care would not be a privilege, but a right.
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A legacy rooted in Pakistan's soul
Shaheed Hakim Mohammed Said, a visionary and a true patriot, migrated to Pakistan in 1948. He arrived in Karachi, not with wealth, but with a mission to serve. Carrying with him the centuries-old traditions of Unani medicine and the principles of hikmat, he planted the seed of Hamdard in the soil of a free Pakistan. This seed would soon grow into a legacy that stood for healing, hope, and harmony.
Hamdard Pakistan, it began in a small rented building in 1948. It had only a few resources, but a limitless vision. Under the guidance of Hakim Said, the name “Hamdard” — meaning "companion in pain" — became more than just a label. It became a philosophy. This philosophy shaped every product, every clinic (matab), every piece of work that came out of Hamdard.
Today, we salute not just an enterprise, but a legacy that has walked step by step with Pakistan.
From one clinic to a nation-wide movement
As Pakistan took its first step forward, so did Hamdard. What began as a humble clinic quickly transformed into a movement for accessible healthcare. The aim was clear — to serve humanity without distinction. Hakim Said believed that "service to humanity is the highest form of worship." He proved it, every single day, through his tireless work and deep care for the people.
In the decades that followed, Hamdard Pakistan expanded its reach — not just in terms of scale, but in impact. Clinics (matabs) began emerging up across cities and towns. These weren’t just places of treatment; they became safe spaces where the underserved could receive care with dignity. The vision wasn’t to build a company. The vision was to build trust — one patient, one remedy, one life at a time.
Today, millions of people across Pakistan continue to rely on Hamdard Pakistan for their wellness needs — a reflection of decades of faith, service, and excellence.
Rooh Afza: The taste of tradition, togetherness
Ask any Pakistani about Rooh Afza, and it brings back more than just memories — it brings emotions, from iftar tables in Ramzan to summer afternoons in family homes, Rooh Afza is more than a drink — it is a part of our culture. It stands as a reminder of shared moments, family bonds, and simple joys.
But few people realise that Rooh Afza’s journey in Pakistan began with Hamdard’s early days. It was one of the first products that helped Pakistanis beat the heat, celebrate togetherness, and feel refreshed — all with the comfort of tradition. Today, as we raise our glasses of Rooh Afza to celebrate Youm-e-Azadi, we also toast to the legacy of a drink that has stayed by our side, generation after generation.
Expanding horizons: From healing to education
Hamdard Pakistan’s vision has never been limited to medicine alone. It extended to knowledge, education, and nation-building. Shaheed Hakim Mohammed Said believed that a healthy society is one that is also enlightened. His belief led to the founding of institutions like Hamdard University, Hamdard Foundation Pakistan and Madinat al-Hikmah — the City of Education, Science and Culture.
These centers weren’t built for prestige. They were built for people, to educate, empower, and elevate the youth of Pakistan. From science and medicine to literature and humanities, Hamdard Pakistan’s educational efforts stand as a silent but strong pillar in the development of the country. Every degree awarded, every book printed, and every student nurtured has contributed to Pakistan’s growth.
Let’s not forget — education was Shaheed Hakim Mohammed Said’s
tool to fight ignorance, and Hamdard Pakistan’s platform became the stage for that mission.
A promise to serve, a legacy that lives
Naimat Begum Hamdard University General Hospital in Karachi gives low-cost care to thousands. It even includes a special ward for the transgender community, showing Hamdard Pakistan’s belief in care for all. Hamdard University Hospital, Taj Medical Complex Ltd., is situated on M.A. Jinnah Road in the heart of Karachi making it easy for city residents. With robust facilities and multiple specialties, it actively accommodates hundreds of patients daily, offering both subsidized and free care through welfare programs, and serves as a major care facility especially for underserved populations of Karachi and beyond. Shifa-ul-Mulk Memorial Hospital serves people in small towns near Madinat al-Hikmah. Mobile dispensaries visit crowded areas, reaching those who can’t easily access care.
Across Pakistan, 43 clinics (Matabs) offer traditional medicine through trained Hakims. These clinics (matabs) help keep the heritage of healing alive.
Giving back to the people
Shaheed Hakim Mohammed Said wanted Hamdard Pakistan to serve the people, not profit. That is why he turned it into a Waqf—a trust. The money Hamdard Pakistan earns is used for nation building activities through Hamdard Foundation Pakistan (HFP) which focuses on health, education, and helping those in need.
Hamdard Foundation Pakistan gives food, blankets in winter, sewing machines, rickshaws, and skill training to help people stand on their own. It also steps up in disasters to provide relief.
Hamdard Foundation Pakistan runs Hamdard Public School, Hamdard Village School, Hamdard Intermediate College, and Hamdard University—the biggest private University in Pakistan. Based in Madinat al-Hikmah, the "City of Education, Science and Culture" it stands as a symbol of progress. Hamdard Foundation Pakistan also supports students with scholarships, monthly Hamdard Naunehal Assembly, and Hamdard Shura where ideas are shared to solve national issues. Over 3 decades it also holds The International Children’s Health Conference marking World Health Day by World Health Organization (WHO) every year.
Lifting Pakistan’s name abroad
Hamdard Pakistan doesn’t just work inside Pakistan—it represents the country with pride around the world. Both Shaheed Hakim Mohammed Said and Ms Sadia Rashid have helped build bridges between Pakistan and other nations.
This year 2025 on Independence Day, as fireworks light up the sky and flags are raised high, let us remember that freedom is not just about borders. It is about the people who uphold its spirit every day — quietly, consistently, and selflessly.
Hamdard Pakistan is not just a brand. It is a legacy of faith, vision, and patriotism. From one man’s dream in 1948 to a household name in every corner of Pakistan, Hamdard Pakistan has become a part of our national story. Its journey is deeply tied to Pakistan’s own — born together, grown together, and forever united in purpose.
Let us celebrate Youm-e-Azadi with pride and reflection. Let us honor the past, cherish the present, and commit to a future where service, honesty, and care remain our guiding light.
As we wave our flags and sing with joy, let us also whisper a silent thank you to those who built with love, led with vision, and served with purpose — like Shaheed Hakim Mohammed Said.
Pakistan lives in Hamdard.
And Hamdard lives in Pakistan.
Pakistan Zindabad!